Receiving apparatus

Abstract

A receiving apparatus having a panel adapted to be disposed in a generally upwardly facing attitude substantially beneath a source of a fluid for receiving the fluid in rested relation thereon; and capturing members mounted on the panel operable to contain the fluid on the panel so as to prevent damage to the environs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a receiving apparatus and, more particularly, to a receiving apparatus which is adapted to receive and contain flowable substances in a wide variety of operative environments.

Environments in which flowable substances are stored or otherwise contained for designated purposes, and particularly when they are intended for periodic use, are frequently plagued by the unintended release of those substances. It is frequently the case that such unintended movement of the substances has a number of adverse consequences. These consequences, of course, include, as a practical matter, the loss of the substances themselves preventing further use. The substances may well cause damage to the surrounding areas particularly as where, for example, gravity serves as an impelling force. In such cases, its flow is usually unrestricted. Depending upon the particular fluid involved, it may be harmful to people, pets and the like, for example, by direct contact or by breathing the fumes which may be released thereby.

A representative example of one such environment is in storage areas such as closets, cupboards, storage shelves and various types of cabinets which are frequently used to store multiplicity of different types of substances used for a wide variety of different purposes. The containers thereof, over time, frequently begin to leak the substances thereof due to normal wear, corrosion, and breakage, defects in containers and the like. Since in these cases there is no restriction to such flow and the quantity initially may be limited, it may be undetected for a prolonged period of time. This, of course, leads to the resulting consequences.

Such deleterious effects, in addition, become an irritant to those responsible. The performance of daily tasks is impelled thereby and the negative consequences may be prolix.

Therefore, it has long been known that it would be desirable to have a receiving apparatus which readily prevents the flow of fluids under circumstances under which the consequence thereof may be of a plurality of types and severity; which operates to prevent damage to surrounding areas by gases or other potentially hazardous byproducts; which operates to contain fluids which may be hazardous to human health or the health of other animals; which can be used in a multitude of forms and in normal fashion without special treatment; and which is otherwise entirely successful in performing its operational objectives.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved receiving apparatus.

Another object is to provide such a receiving apparatus which is operable to contain a work material within a predetermined area.

Another object is to provide such a receiving apparatus which is particularly well suited to containing a fluid, such as a liquid, or the like.

Another object is to provide such a receiving apparatus which is operable to contain a work material within a predetermined area so as to prevent damage to the surrounding area.

Another object is to provide such a receiving apparatus which is particularly well suited to usage beneath sources of leaking liquid to prevent damage to the environs.

Another object is to provide such a receiving apparatus which is inexpensive to produce while being virtually universally adaptable for usage in a multiplicity of operative environments.

Another object is to provide such a receiving apparatus which is uniquely well suited to storage of a plurality of work objects thereon while avoiding the hazards incident to such storage.

Another object is to provide such a receiving apparatus which has particular utility in environments which are ill-equipped for handling materials inadvertently released in an area normally hidden from view.

Another object is to provide such a receiving apparatus which is readily manufactured from a variety of materials which are substantially impervious to fluid materials, such as liquids, which may be caustic or otherwise potentially damaging to surrounding areas while being resistant, or completely unaffected itself.

Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is dependable, economical, durable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects and advantages are achieved, in the preferred embodiments of the present invention, in a receiving apparatus having a panel adapted to be disposed in a generally upwardly facing attitude substantially beneath a source of a fluid for receiving the fluid in rested relation thereon; and capturing members mounted on the panel operable to contain the fluid on the panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front of the first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention shown in a typical operative environment within a cabinet beneath a sink.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the top of the apparatus of the present invention in the operative environment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a somewhat enlarged perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing the top thereof.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a somewhat further enlarged, longitudinal vertical section of the apparatus taken on line 5-5 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a somewhat further enlarged transverse vertical section taken on line 6-6 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention shown in a typical operative environment within a cabinet beneath a sink.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a somewhat enlarged, perspective view showing the bottom of the second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a somewhat further enlarged, fragmentary perspective view showing the top of the second embodiment of the apparatus with a sensor thereof shown in hidden lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

First Embodiment

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the receiving apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1.

As will hereinafter become more clearly apparent, the receiving apparatus can be constructed of a wide variety of materials. However, the receiving apparatus has particular utility when constructed as a single unit from a suitable molded plastic material which is of sufficient thickness or strength to be substantially rigid in use. The receiving apparatus is also impervious to fluids, except as otherwise noted herein.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the receiving apparatus 10 has a front longitudinal wall 11 and a substantially parallel, rear longitudinal wall 12. Similarly, the front and rear longitudinal walls are interconnected by a first transverse wall 13 and a second transverse wall 14. The first transverse wall and the second transverse wall are substantially parallel to each other. A top wall 15 extends across and thereby covers the front and rear longitudinal and the first and second transverse walls and is integral therewith. The top wall has an upper surface 16 and an opposite lower surface 17. The front longitudinal wall, rear longitudinal wall, first transverse wall and second transverse wall have lower edges 18.

The upper surface 16 of the top wall 15 has a left recessed area 30 and a right recessed area 31, which are interconnected by a central passage 32. The left recessed area and the right recessed area are bounded by a boundary wall 33 extending completely thereabout, as best shown in FIG. 3. The boundary wall has a pair of projections 34 spaced from each other to bound and thereby define the central passage 32 therebetween, as best shown in FIG. 3. The upper surface 16 of the top wall 15 has a substantially flat floor 35 which extends beneath the left and right recessed areas and the central passage 37 therebetween.

With reference more particularly to FIG. 4, which shows the lower surface 17 of the top wall 15, the lower surface has a first housing 40 and a second housing 41. It will be understood that the first housing corresponds to the left recessed area 30 and the second housing corresponds to the right recessed area 31.

The first housing 40 and second housing 41 are interconnected by an interconnecting housing 42 which corresponds to the central passage 32 on the upper surface 16 of the top wall 15. A recessed passage or area 43 extends about the first housing, the second housing, the interconnecting housing, and the front longitudinal wall 11, the rear longitudinal was 12, the first transverse wall 13 and the second transverse wall 14.

The first housing 40, the second housing 41 and the interconnecting housing 42 have a bottom surface 44 which is substantially flat and lies substantially in the same plane as the lower edges 18. Thus, when the first embodiment 10 is disposed in an upright operational altitude, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 3, on a substantially flat surface, the bottom surface 44 and the lower edges 18 are disposed in rested, supported engagement on the substantially flat surface. This is best shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.

A plurality of elevated members 50 are mounted on, or formed, in the left recessed area 30, the right recessed area 31 and the central passages 32. The elevated members are disposed in spaced, substantially parallel relation to each other. Each of the elevated members 50 has opposite end portions 51 and spaced, substantially parallel sidewalls 52. The elevated members have individual upper surfaces 53 which are disposed in substantially the same plane as the upper surface 16 of the top wall 15. The opposite end portions of the elevated members are spaced from the boundary wall 33 so as to provide a primary channel, 54 extending entirely about the opposite end portions 51 of the elevated members. As previously discussed, the sidewalls 52 of adjacent elevated members define secondary channels 55 therebetween, the ends of which communicate with the primary channel 54.

The first embodiment of the receiving apparatus 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a typical operative environment. This operative environment includes a cabinet or housing 70 such as used in a home or other structure, not shown. More specifically, for illustrative convenience, the cabinet is shown with a base 71 which is mounted on, for example, a floor 72 in a kitchen. The cabinet has an interior floor 74. Three wall panels 73 are mounted on the base in upstanding relation. The wall panels and floor of the cabinet bound and thereby define an enclosure 75 of the cabinet. The cabinet has a forward wall 76 and an upper wall, or counter top, 77.

A sink assembly 90 is mounted on the counter top 77 and has two (2) individual sink housings 91 each having a drain opening 92 therein. A conventional faucet assembly 93 is mounted on the sink assembly in upstanding relation. The faucet assembly is operable in the conventional manner to control the release of water therefrom. The drain opening on the left in FIG. 2, in the illustrative example, is disposed in feeding relation to a garbage disposal 94, as best shown in FIG. 1. The garbage disposal is of the conventional type mounted on the under side of the sink housing 91 on the left, as viewed in FIG. 2. The garbage disposal is disposed in receiving relation to water and refuse, or garbage, from the sink housing on the left, as viewed in FIG. 2.

A conduit assembly 110 is operably mounted on the garbage disposal 94, as shown in FIG. 1. The conduit assembly has a first segment 111 which is at one end operably connected to the garbage disposal in receiving relation to fluid substances received therefrom. The distal end of the first segment is operably connected to a second segment 112. The second segment has a proximal end portion 113, which is connected in receiving relation to the drain opening 92 on the right, as viewed in FIG. 2. The second segment extends to a distal end portion 114 which is connected to the plumbing system, not shown, of the building. Thus, in the conventional manner, the conduit assembly is operable to discharge fluid received from the drain openings 92 into the plumbing system.

In accordance with conventional construction a cold water valve assembly is generally indicated by the numeral 115 in FIG. 1. The valve assembly is operated by the handle 116 to control the flow of cold, or nonheated, water along the water conduit 117. Similarly, a hot water assembly 118 is generally indicated by the numeral 118 and is constructed in the same manner as the cold water assembly. Both the cold water and hot water valve assemblies are operably connected to the faucet assembly 93 for operation in the conventional manner.

As shown best in FIG. 1, a variety of objects, or products, 125 are shown in a typical operative environment within the enclosure 75 of the cabinet 70. Most of these products are rested within the enclosure 75 of the cabinet 70 on the upper surface 53 of the elevated members 50. As is visible in FIG. 1, the elevated members are relatively closely spaced so that virtually any size or type of product can be so supported thereon in upright relation, or such other disposition as may be desired.

For illustrative convenience, the products 125 shown in the foregoing positions are a water heater 126 having a discharge conduit 127 operatively interconnecting the water heater with the faucet assembly 93. Through the discharge conduit, heated water can be passed from the water heater to the faucet assembly for control thereby. A thermostat 128 is mounted on the water heater and is connected to a source of electrical energy, not shown, through an electrical conduit 129. The thermostat controls operation of the water heater in any manner. The water heater is gravitationally rested on the upper surface 53 of the elevated members 50, as shown in FIG. 1

The products 125, for illustrative convenience, include a plurality of other individual items to help demonstrate operation of the subject invention. These products include containers holding a wide variety of flowable substances such as liquids, granular substances, powdered substances and the like. The containers for these substances include, for example a spray container 40 containing a cleaning solvent; a pourable container 141 housing, for example, a cleaning substance in granular or powdered form; and a carton 142 containing another type of flowable material. Again for illustrative convenience, a kitchen appliance, in this case a reverse osmosis drinking water system 143, is mounted on a wall panel 73 of the cabinet 70 and is operably connected to a reverse osmosis storage tank, not shown, and is connected by a fluid conduit, not shown. The reverse osmosis storage tank contains a desalinator, carbon filter and micron filter as is conventionally the case. A liquid conduit 144 operably interconnects the reverse osmosis system 143 and a reverse osmosis water storage tank, not shown and the reverse osmosis faucet 146.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 210 in FIG. 7 and is shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10.

For illustrative convenience, except as otherwise specified herein, the second embodiment 210 is identical to the first embodiment 10. In the interest of avoiding unnecessary repetition, the description of these identical elements is deemed to be redundant and unnecessary to a full understanding of both the first and second embodiments of the subject invention. The elements of the first embodiment and the description thereof is hereinafter incorporated by reference.

Accordingly, directing the description hereinafter to the differences in the second embodiment 210 as compared with the first embodiment, reference is hereinafter made to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10. As shown therein, the bottom surface 44 has a hole or passage 211 extending therethrough in a predetermined position perhaps best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. When the second embodiment of the invention is in an installed condition, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a discharge conduit 212 is mounted within the passage and extends from a proximal end 213 to an opposite distal end 214. The discharge conduit has a vertical portion 215 extending downwardly from the maximal end 213 and leading to a sloped portion 216. The distal end of the discharge conduit has a discharge opening 217 through which flowable substances are released from the second embodiment, as will hereinafter be discussed in greater detail. Alternatively, the passage 211 and the discharge conduit 212 can be located at any other suitable location on the bottom apparatus. Drilling locations, not shown, can be provided at any such locations for this purpose. Similarly, an attachment tube, not shown, can be provided for the purpose of connecting the discharge conduit to any suitable location on the apparatus.

Referring again to FIG. 8, for purposes of disclosure of the second embodiment 210 of the invention, it will be understood that the cabinet 70, and the subject invention housed therein, are contained within a structure such as a house 230. In general, the house has a foundation 231 on which is mounted a frame 232. A floor 233 is mounted on the frame. A wall 234 is mounted on the frame in upstanding relation.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second embodiment 210 of the present invention has a sensor assembly generally indicated therein by the numeral 250. The sensor assembly can be of any suitable type which is operable, under certain predefined conditions, to issue an alarm, such as an audible sound, a signal transmitted to a desired location, such as, for example, an alarm company, a fire station, an owner or other individual's telephone, or the like. Alternatively, a wireless sensor can be employed which transmits, for example, to a wall mounted alarm of any type. The sensor assembly has a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown, which is operable to supply electrical energy which operates the sensor assembly in the manner in which it is intended.

The sensor assembly 250 has a main housing 251 containing the internal components operable to empower the sensor assembly to operate in the desired manner. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the main housing is mounted within the space bounded by the first transverse wall 13 and the front longitudinal wall 11 on the lower surface 17 of the top wall 15. The main housing 251 is thus recessed within the area bounded by the boundary wall 33, rear longitudinal wall 12 and second transverse wall 14. The main housing is thus recessed upwardly from the lower edges 18. The main housing 251 of the sensor assembly is thus recessed within the area bounded thereby. The sensor assembly has a pair of probes 252, such as electrical probes or electrodes. The probes extend through suitable holes in the boundary wall 33. The holes are sealed about their respective probes so as not to leak fluid thereabout. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, distal ends of the probes extend into the left recessed area 30 for contact with any fluid material contained therein the left recessed area 30 or right recessed area 31.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiments of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and are briefly summarized at this point.

The first embodiment 10 and the second embodiment 210 of the present invention operate in a closely similar manner. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with respect to the first embodiment 10 and in FIGS. 7 and 8 with respect to the second embodiment 210, the assemblies thereof are rested in upright relation on the floor 74 of the cabinet 70. As can be seen therein the first and second embodiments are dimensioned so as substantially to cover the entire surface of the floor. In this altitude, the upper surfaces 53 of the elevated members 50 define a substantially horizontal plane which is substantially parallel to the floor.

In this configuration, the objects or products 125 are rested on the upper surfaces 53 of the elevated members 50. These include, for example, the water heater 126, spray container 140, pourable container 141, carton 142, reverse osmosis drinking water system 143 and container 145.

All of these products are potential sources of leaking fluid. In addition to these there are many other potential sources of such leakage. These include, but are not limited to, the garbage disposal 94, the conduit assembly 110, the cold water valve assembly 115, the hot water valve assembly 118, the drain openings 92, the sink assemblies 90, the faucet assembly 93 and the like any, or ultimately all of these elements, will begin to leak unless adequately maintained and repaired as necessary. Frequently, such leakage begins to occur so slightly that it cannot be detected until a substantial period of time has transpired and the particular element has deteriorated to the point that the sheer volume of the leakage reveals the problem.

Under such circumstances, damage has usually already occurred at this point. The particular damage is often of several types requiring substantial repair. For example, dry rot, mold, fungus, actual destruction of the structure and other adverse conditions may conventionally be substantial before the condition is detected.

In the case of the first embodiment 10 and second embodiment 210 of the present invention, however, these conditions are the resultant damage therefrom are dependably and completely prevented. Leakage from any of the objects 125 flows gravitationally downwardly into the left recessed area 30 and right recessed area 31 of the first embodiment 10 and second embodiment 210. The elevated members 50 hold the objects above the floor 35 and within the left and right recessed areas 30 and 31. More specifically, the fluid drains from its specific source over and or between the elevated members 50 and into the primary channel 54 and the secondary channels 55. As can be visualized upon reference to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the plurality of such channels and the volumes defined thereby operate to receive and contain a substantial amount of liquid.

Access to the enclosure 75 of the cabinet 70, quickly reveals by visual observation to the resident, or other person gaining access to the cabinet, that there is leakage from some source within the cabinet. This permits the person then to locate the source, or sources, and remedy the condition by repair or replacement. This operation and use may well be adequate for most environments same as in a domestic environment.

However, as previously discussed, there are other environments in which a more rapid indication of the condition is required if desired. For example, in certain environments there may be risk of toxic, flammable, explosive, or other dangerous or harmful substances being leaked. This may be the case in industrial environments or the like. In these instances, it may be desirable, necessary, or critical that there be immediate, or prompt, notification of the condition. In these cases a sensor can be used to shut off the source. Conversely, it may simply be desired to have early notice of the condition.

In these environments and others, the second embodiment 210 of the present invention has particular utility. As best shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the probus 252 of the sensor assembly 250 extended into communication with the right recessed area 31. Upon fluid leaking into the left recessed area 30 or the right recessed area 31, the fluid will flow, upon reaching sufficient volume, into contact with the probes 252 of the sensor assembly 250. As previously discussed, this contact will trigger the alarm or alarms thereof. The appropriate people are thereby warned of the condition before the fluid reaches the capacity of the second embodiment 210.

In addition, the discharge conduit 212 releases of discharges the fluid from the second embodiment through the discharge conduit in any event to prevent damage. Should the discharge conduit become clogged of otherwise inoperable, the sensor assembly will, in any event, operate to warn of the condition, as heretofore described.

Therefore, the receiving apparatus of the present invention is particularly well suited to usage in containing fluids in a wide variety of operative environments; is operable to perform the conventional details of usage; is adaptable to a wide variety of operable environments; is adaptable to a wide variety of operative embodiments; and is otherwise entirely successful in achieving its operational objectives.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention which is not to be limited to the illustrative details disclosed.

Claims

1. A receiving apparatus comprising a panel adapted to be disposed in a generally upwardly facing attitude substantially beneath a source of a fluid for receiving said fluid in rested relation thereon; and capturing means mounted on the panel operable to contain the fluid on said panel.

2. The receiving apparatus of claim 1 wherein said capturing means has at least one substantially upwardly facing channel for containing said fluid on the panel and directing fluid generally along a predetermined path of travel.

3. The receiving apparatus of claim 2 wherein said capturing means has a plurality of interconnecting, substantially upwardly facing channels operable to direct said fluid substantially along said path of travel to a predetermined collection position on the panel.

4. The receiving apparatus of claim 2 wherein said capturing means has a substantially upwardly facing support surface adapted to have at least one work object rested thereon so as to support said work object above fluid in said channel.

5. A receiving apparatus operable to contain a liquid or the like gravitationally received from at least one work object, the receiving apparatus comprising a substantially planar impervious panel adapted to be placed substantially beneath said work object and having a receiving surface substantially facing the work object; a plurality of members mounted on said receiving surface, extending upwardly therefrom and adapted to support said at least one work object in rested relation thereon; a plurality of passages extending between adjacent members defining passages for the gravitational receipt of said liquid or the like from the work object; and a boarder wall mounted on the panel and extending about said passages to contain the liquid or the like therewithin so as substantially to prevent the escape of said liquid or the like therefrom.

6. The receiving apparatus of claim 5 wherein the work object has an operational position and said members have upper surfaces disposed gravitationally to support the work object in said operational position.

7. The receiving apparatus of claim 6 wherein the upper surfaces of the members define a substantially flat plane which extends in upwardly spaced relation to said plurality of passages; said work object can be rested on the upper surfaces of said members above the passages for the receipt of liquid or the like in the passages from said work object.

8. The receiving apparatus of claim 6 adapted for use in conjunction with a cabinet or the like having an interior with a source of said liquid disposed above the said interior and a floor below said source of the liquid and wherein the panel is dimensioned to be rested on the floor of the cabinet beneath the source of said liquid in liquid receiving relation to said source whereby leakage from the source is captured within the passages thereof so as not to escape onto the floor of the cabinet or other portions of the cabinet.

9. The receiving apparatus of claim 6 wherein said boarder wall has an outwardly facing lip extending thereabout which slopes toward said panel in fluid directing relation thereto so as to receive fluids from above and direct the toward said panel for collection.

10. The receiving apparatus of claim 6 wherein a sensor is mounted on the panel in communication with said passages and said sensor is operable to register when there is liquid in said passages and which produces a signal in such case to warn that said leakage is occurring or, alternatively, to turn off the source thereof.

11. The receiving apparatus of claim 10 in which said cabinet is itself housed within a structure having an interior in which the cabinet is housed and an exterior and wherein the panel mounts a discharge conduit which is in fluid communication with said passages and which extends in fluid discharging relation to said exterior of the structure to dispose of said liquid and to avoid damage to said cabinet and the environs.

12. The receiving apparatus of claim 10 wherein said upper surfaces of the members are of a sufficient number whereby a plurality liquid sources can be disposed in rested relation on the upper surfaces to capture any leakage therefrom in said passages for disposal.